Mick Foley Opens Up on AEW Move, Calls Cutting WWE Ties a ‘Difficult Decision’

Mick Foley has spoken candidly about his transition to AEW, acknowledging that walking away from his WWE arrangement was far from easy — but insisting he has no regrets about where he’s landed.

Foley announced in December 2025 that he would sever ties with WWE once his legends deal expired the following June. The move was driven by his discomfort with WWE’s relationship with the Trump administration, with comments made by President Donald Trump following the passing of actor Rob Reiner serving as the breaking point for the Hall of Famer.

He has since emerged as an AEW presence, co-hosting the Double or Nothing 2026 Buy-In pre-show alongside Renee Paquette before being officially confirmed as All Elite. While he was absent from Forbidden Door due to other commitments, Foley appears poised to play an ongoing role with the company.

In a conversation with the Going Ringside podcast, Foley explained how the AEW opportunity came together: “I’d admired the show, I’d loved the show. I knew Tony Khan from way back and they had a spot on their roster for me and it felt like a great fit and I’m happy to be there.”

Foley also reflected on the energy he’s encountered working under AEW President Tony Khan, drawing a quiet contrast with his previous experience without directly criticizing WWE. “It’s really fun for me to just watch how much Tony loves it. I’m not gonna knock the other organization, but let’s just say when you came through the curtain it was a different type of experience. I love the idea that he loves it and he makes it really clear that he loves what he’s doing.”

On the financial reality of leaving WWE, Foley was refreshingly straightforward. He noted he hadn’t been a full-time employee in years but did hold a merchandising deal and had secured lucrative appearances around WrestleMania weekend. “It was a difficult decision to make to cut ties with them,” he admitted. “As it turned out I had to work 24 hours on my own to make what I would have made in four with WWE. But I’m okay with that. I believe if you want something you go after it and you work hard for it.”

For a performer with Foley’s legacy, the willingness to sacrifice financial comfort on principle speaks volumes — and AEW looks to have gained a valued personality in the process.